Mango Pleco L097

Baryancistrus sp. L097, the Mango Pleco, is one of the more colourful members of the Baryancistrus genus, displaying a warm amber-orange to golden-yellow body densely scattered with dark brown spots and accented by vivid yellow-orange fin tips and margins. It originates from the warm, rocky, fast-flowing sections of the Rio Xingu, sharing its habitat with the famous Gold Nugget Pleco and other iconic Baryancistrus species.

The Mango Pleco reaches approximately 22 cm and requires a tank of at least 200 L with strong flow, excellent oxygenation, and smooth rocks or boulders for grazing. Its coloration intensifies with a varied diet rich in biofilm, quality algae wafers, and Repashy gel foods. Blanched vegetables and occasional meaty foods round out its omnivorous diet.

Like other Baryancistrus, it can be territorial toward similar-looking species. It is best kept as the sole large pleco in the aquarium unless the setup is very large. It is peaceful toward unrelated community fish and makes an excellent showpiece specimen in a large South American biotope.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft and highly oxygenated; very strong flow essential. Tank: Minimum 200 L; smooth boulders, caves, driftwood; avoid keeping with similarly coloured Baryancistrus. Feeding: Omnivore; algae wafers, Repashy, blanched vegetables, occasional bloodworms and brine shrimp. Breeding: Cave spawner; breeding achievable in large well-maintained tanks with stable warm conditions. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive toward similar plecos; peaceful with dissimilar community fish.